World Cyclists Cut Off On Way To Their Dream

November 15, 1985|By United Press International.

LITTLE ROCK, ARK. — Two Norwegians less than a week away from their dream of circling the world in 80 days by bicycle were being treated Thursday for injuries suffered when they were struck from behind by a car.

Knut Josefsen was to undergo surgery for a broken hip at Baptist Medical Center, hospital spokeswoman Dana Berry said. Arnljot Mehl suffered a skull fracture and a broken collarbone in the accident on a freeway Wednesday near Conway, northwest of Little Rock.

``The doctor was very optimistic about their condition,`` which was officially listed as satisfactory, Berry said.

One cyclist was hit by an eastbound car driven by an unidentified woman, and the cyclist in turn struck the other cyclist, state police said. A car in front of the woman apparently had swerved to avoid the cyclists, but she could not stop in time, police said.

State police said the cyclists apparently did not have a permit to ride bicycles on the freeway.

The two were among six Norwegian and two Australian cyclists in an around-the-world race and research project to determine the effects of strenuous, long-term training on body fat, muscle tissue and hormones.